Goataldo wrote:I'm not old enough to remember Watson. I remember the other one more, for shame, the Everton guy. First ones I can recall seeing were Stevie Redmond, and Brian Gayle; people of that era. When we bought Curle, he was the classiest defender I'd seen play for us by a stretch. It really pissed me off that he wasn't recognised more for England, and had the honour of playing right back for Graham Taylor in that awful game against Sweden(?).
Curle was excellent, but Vincent has everything. He also seems to know everything, which is cool. Off the field he is consummate. On it, he has the physique, skills, cool head, common sense to rule any situation in defence, and though he's not been quite as resolute this season, it's always a pleasure to watch him play. Getting back on form now, like the whole team.
Was gonna say 'but could any of these guys play up front as well as Michel Vonk' cos I saw him get drafted up front one game and smash it. Then I read up on Dave Watson, and apparently such was his aerial prowess that he got pushed up front one season for Rotherham and scored 12 in 20! Must have been some footballer.
Must admit, I forgot about Brian Gayle when I was musing (shame upon me), so thanks for the reminder and thanks to all the others who have commented on this thread as I've really enjoyed reading them.
As a footnote, in Malcolm Allison's second spell with us, I had great hopes for Dragoslav Stepanovic but, unfortunately, these were never realised (just one of our many).
Moreover, as John68 has said, Dave Watson was without equal in the air but, surprisingly he wasn't the biggest of defenders (not that he was small in any way but there were others who were taller); it was his timing and the way he rose for a ball which were incomparable. If we could find a modern day equivalent to complement Vinnie, Joe Hart would have nothing to do in most games.....perhaps, just to be a little boringly pedantic, Neven Subotic might be the perfect partner for the skipper, although because of FFP perhaps such acquisitions are now off the agenda.
Anyway, you guys, thanks again for all the thoughts posted.
